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Abstract:

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of
shielding apparatus suitable for use in providing electromagnetic
interference shielding for one or more electrical components on a
substrate. In one exemplary embodiment, a shielding apparatus generally
includes first and second walls. The first wall includes laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions. The second wall includes an edge portion
disposed relative to the first wall such that an interface between the
edge portion of the second wall and the first wall is substantially
sealed against the ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic interference
through the interface. The edge portion of the second wall is engaged
generally between and laterally confined by the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions of the first wall, such that the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions inhibit movement of the second wall
relative to the first wall. Accordingly, this helps retain the interface
between the edge portion of the second wall and the first wall
substantially sealed against the ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic
interference through the interface.

Claims:

1. A shielding apparatus for use in providing electromagnetic interference
(EMI) shielding for one or more electrical components on a substrate, the
shielding apparatus comprising:a first wall having laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions;a second wall having an edge portion disposed relative
to the first wall such that an interface between the edge portion of the
second wall and the first wall is substantially sealed against the
ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic interference through the
interface;the edge portion of the second wall engaged generally between
and laterally confined by the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions
of the first wall, such that the laterally spaced-apart detent
protrusions help inhibit movement of the second wall relative to the
first wall, thereby helping retain the interface between the edge portion
of the second wall and the first wall substantially sealed against the
ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic interference through the
interface.

2. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the edge portion of the
second wall abuts the first wall, and wherein the engagement of the edge
portion of the second wall with the laterally spaced-apart detent
protrusions helps retain abutment of the second wall to the first wall.

3. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the edge portion of the
second wall abuts the first wall such that a substantially closed seam is
defined along the interface of the edge portion of the second wall to the
first wall, and wherein the engagement of the edge portion of the second
wall with the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions helps retain the
seam in a closed configuration.

4. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions includes upper and lower vertically-aligned detent
protrusions along a first side of the edge portion, and upper and lower
vertically-aligned detent protrusions along a second side of the edge
portion.

5. The shielding apparatus of claim 4, wherein the upper and lower detent
protrusions along the first side are disposed higher than the
corresponding upper and lower detent protrusions along the second side.

6. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions cooperatively define a saddle in which the edge
portion of the second wall is engageably received.

7. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions are staggered such that the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions are not laterally disposed directly across from each
other.

9. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, further comprising outer walls and
one or more interior partition walls cooperatively defining at least a
portion of two or more EMI shielding compartments within a perimeter
defined by the outer walls, and wherein the first wall comprises at least
one of said outer walls, and wherein the second wall comprises at least
one of said one or more interior partition walls.

10. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, further comprising outer walls
configured for installation to a substrate generally about one or more
electrical components on the substrate, and one or more interior walls
disposed within a perimeter defined by the outer walls, and wherein the
first wall comprises at least one of said outer walls, and wherein the
second wall comprises at least one of said one or more interior partition
walls.

11. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first wall, laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions, and second wall are integrally formed.

12. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first wall, laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions, and second wall are monolithically
formed from a single blank of material.

13. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shielding apparatus
includes:a frame having walls defining at least one opening along an
upper portion of the frame, the walls being configured to generally
surround the one or more electrical components on the substrate, and one
or more interior walls, wherein the first wall comprises at least one of
said walls, and wherein the second wall comprises at least one of said
one or more interior walls; anda lid attachable to the frame, for
substantially covering the at least one opening of the frame;whereby the
shielding apparatus is operable for shielding the one or more electrical
components on the substrate that are within an interior cooperatively
defined by the frame, the lid, and the substrate.

14. The shielding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second wall is
generally perpendicular to the first wall.

15. An electrical device including a printed circuit board and the
shielding apparatus of claim 1 attached to the printed circuit board.

16. A shielding apparatus or use in providing electromagnetic interference
(EMI) shielding for one or more electrical components on a substrate, the
shielding apparatus comprising:outer walls configured for installation to
a substrate generally about one or more electrical components on the
substrate;laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions integrally formed in
at least one of said outer walls, the laterally spaced-apart detent
protrusions inwardly protruding and defining a saddle therebetween;one or
more internal walls integrally formed with the outer walls, at least one
of said one or more internal walls having an edge portion substantially
abutting the at least one outer wall having the laterally spaced-apart
detent, the edge portion being engagingly received within the saddle such
that the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions laterally confine the
edge portion and help inhibit movement relative to the at least one outer
wall;the engagement of the edge portion within the saddle helps retain
substantial abutment of the edge portion to the at least one outer wall,
thereby helping retain a closed-off EMI gap between the edge portion and
the at least one outer wall sealed against ingress and/or egress of
electromagnetic interference through the closed-off EMI gap.

17. The shielding apparatus of claim 16, wherein the outer wall having the
laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions and the internal wall engaged
therewith cooperatively define at least a portion of two or more EMI
shielding compartments within a perimeter defined by the outer walls.

18. The shielding apparatus of claim 16, wherein the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions includes upper and lower laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions along a first side of the saddle gap, and
upper and lower laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions along a second
side of the saddle.

19. The shielding apparatus of claim 16, wherein the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions includes a first pair of upper and lower
vertically-aligned detent protrusions and a second pair of upper and
lower vertically-aligned detent protrusions, the first and second pairs
being laterally spaced apart.

20. The shielding apparatus of claim 19, wherein the upper and lower
detent protrusions of the first pair are disposed higher than the
corresponding upper and lower detent protrusions of the second pair.

21. The shielding apparatus of claim 16, wherein the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusion are staggered such that the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions are not laterally disposed directly
across from each other.

23. The shielding apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a lid
attachable to the outer walls for substantially covering at least one
opening defined by the outer walls, whereby the shielding apparatus is
operable for shielding the one or more electrical components on the
substrate that are within an interior cooperatively defined by the frame,
the lid, and the substrate.

24. An electrical device including a printed circuit board and the
shielding apparatus of claim 16 attached to the printed circuit board.

25. A method of making an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding
having first and second walls in which a juncture between the first and
second walls is substantially sealed for inhibiting ingress and/or egress
of EMI through the juncture, the method comprising:positioning the second
wall relative to the first wall such that an edge portion of the second
wall is engaged generally between and laterally confined by laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions on the first wall, the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions inhibiting movement of the second wall
relative to the first wall, thereby helping retain the substantially
sealed juncture between the first and second walls.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein positioning the edge portion includes
forming the second wall downwardly relative to an upper portion of the
shielding apparatus.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein positioning the edge portion includes
bending the second wall downwardly relative to an upper portion of the
shielding apparatus.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein positioning the edge portion includes
folding the second wall downwardly relative to an upper portion of the
shielding apparatus.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein the method includes integrally forming
the first wall, second wall, and laterally spaced-apart detent
protrusions from a single blank of material

30. The method of claim 25, wherein the EMI shielding apparatus comprises
a one-piece frame having the first wall with the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions integrally formed therein, and the second wall
integrally formed with the first wall.

31. The method of claim 25, wherein the method includes attaching a lid
attachable to the frame for substantially covering at least one opening
defined by the frame.

32. The method of claim 25, wherein engagement of the edge portion of the
second wall with the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions helps
retain abutment of the second wall to the first wall.

33. The method of claim 25, wherein engagement of the edge portion of the
second wall with the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions helps
close off an EMI gap along the juncture between the first and second
walls.

34. The method of claim 25, further comprising stamping in a single piece
of material a flat pattern partial profile for the shielding apparatus
including the first and second walls and the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions, and then forming the first and second walls at an
angle relative to a top portion of the shielding apparatus, wherein
forming includes positioning the edge portion of the second wall with a
saddle defined generally between the laterally spaced-apart detent
protrusions.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein forming includes one or more of
drawing, bending, and folding.

36. A method of retaining a closed seam between first and second walls of
a shielding apparatus for inhibiting ingress and/or egress of
electromagnetic interference (EMI) through the closed seam, the method
comprising:positioning the second wall relative to the first wall such
that an edge portion of the second wall is engaged generally between and
laterally confined by laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions on the
first wall, the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions inhibiting
movement of the second wall relative to the first wall, thereby helping
the closed seam between the first and second walls remain closed.

37. A method relating to providing EMI shielding for one or more
electrical components on a substrate, the method comprising:installing a
shielding apparatus to a substrate such that outer walls of the shielding
apparatus are disposed generally about one or more electrical components
on the substrate, at least one of said outer walls having laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions, the shielding apparatus including at
least one internal wall having an edge portion engaged generally between
and laterally confined by laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions on at
least one of said outer walls, such that the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions inhibit movement of the at least one internal wall
relative to the at leas one outer wall.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising attaching a lid to the
outer walls of the shielding apparatus such that the lid substantially
covers at least one opening defined by the outer walls.

[0003]The statements in this section merely provide background information
related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004]Electronic equipment often generates electromagnetic signals in one
portion of the electronic equipment that may radiate to and interfere
with another portion of the electronic equipment. This electromagnetic
interference (EMI) can cause degradation or complete loss of important
signals, thereby rendering the electronic equipment inefficient or
inoperable. To reduce the adverse effects of EMI, electrically conducting
(and sometimes magnetically conducting) material is interposed between
the two portions of the electronic circuitry for absorbing and/or
reflecting EMI energy. This shielding may take the form of a wall or a
complete enclosure and may be placed around the portion of the electronic
circuit generating the electromagnetic signal and/or may be placed around
the portion of the electronic circuit that is susceptible to the
electromagnetic signal. For example, electronic circuits or components of
a printed circuit board (PCB) are often enclosed with shields to localize
EMI within its source, and to insulate other devices proximal to the EMI
source.

[0005]As used herein, the term electromagnetic interference (EMI) should
be considered to generally include and refer to both electromagnetic
interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) emissions, and
the term "electromagnetic" should be considered to generally include and
refer to both electromagnetic and radio frequency from external sources
and internal sources. Accordingly, the term shielding (as used herein)
generally includes and refers to both EMI shielding and RFI shielding,
for example, to prevent (or at least reduce) ingress and egress of EMI
and RFI relative to a housing or other enclosure in which electronic
equipment is disposed.

SUMMARY

[0006]According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of
shielding apparatus suitable for use in providing electromagnetic
interference shielding for one or more electrical components on a
substrate. In one exemplary embodiment, a shielding apparatus generally
includes first and second walls. The first wall includes laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions. The second wall includes an edge portion
disposed relative to the first wall such that an interface between the
edge portion of the second wall and the first wall is substantially
sealed against the ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic interference
through the interface. The edge portion of the second wall is engaged
generally between and laterally confined by the laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions of the first wall, such that the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions help inhibit movement of the second wall
relative to the first wall. Accordingly, this helps retain the interface
between the edge portion of the second wall and the first wall
substantially sealed against the ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic
interference through the interface.

[0007]In another exemplary embodiment, a shielding apparatus generally
includes outer walls configured for installation to a substrate generally
about one or more electrical components on the substrate. Laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions are integrally formed in at least one of
the outer walls. The laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions inwardly
protrude and define a saddle therebetween. One or more internal walls are
integrally formed with the outer walls. At least one of the one or more
internal walls have an edge portion substantially abutting the at least
one outer wall having the laterally spaced-apart detent. The edge portion
is engagingly received within the saddle such that the laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions laterally confine the edge portion and
help inhibit movement relative to the at least one outer wall. The
engagement of the edge portion within the saddle helps retain substantial
abutment of the edge portion to the at least one outer wall, thereby
helping retain a closed-off EMI gap between the edge portion and the at
least one outer wall sealed against ingress and/or egress of
electromagnetic interference through the closed-off EMI gap.

[0008]Other aspects of the present disclosure include methods relating to
EMI shielding apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a
method of making an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding that
generally includes first and second walls in which a juncture between the
first and second walls is substantially sealed for inhibiting ingress
and/or egress of EMI through the juncture. In this embodiment, the method
generally includes positioning the second wall relative to the first wall
such that an edge portion of the second wall is engaged generally between
and laterally confined by laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions on
the first wall. The laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions inhibit
movement of the second wall relative to the first wall, thereby helping
retain the substantially sealed juncture between the first and second
walls.

[0009]In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of
retaining a closed seam between first and second walls of a shielding
apparatus for inhibiting ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic
interference (EMI) through the closed seam. In this embodiment, the
method generally includes positioning the second wall relative to the
first wall such that an edge portion of the second wall is engaged
generally between and laterally confined by laterally spaced-apart detent
protrusions on the first wall. The laterally spaced-apart detent
protrusions inhibit movement of the second wall relative to the first
wall, thereby helping the closed seam between the first and second walls
remain closed.

[0010]In another exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes
installing a shielding apparatus to a substrate such that outer walls of
the shielding apparatus are disposed generally about one or more
electrical components on the substrate. At least one of the outer walls
includes laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions. The shielding
apparatus includes at least one internal wall having an edge portion
engaged generally between and laterally confined by laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions on at least one of the outer walls, such
that the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions inhibit movement of
the at least one internal wall relative to the at leas one outer wall.

[0011]Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the description
and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0012]The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary board level shielding
apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the shielding apparatus of FIG.
1 positioned relative to a printed circuit board for installation
thereto, with shielding compartments of the shielding apparatus aligned
for receiving the PCB electronic components according to an exemplary
embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the shielding apparatus
installed to the PCB shown in FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the indicated
plane shown in FIG. 3, and illustrating engagement/lateral confinement of
an internal wall by dimples of an outer wall;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the indicated
plane shown in FIG. 3, and further illustrating the engagement/lateral
confinement of the internal wall by the dimples of the outer wall;

[0018]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary shielding
apparatus and an exemplary lid, which may be attached to the shielding
apparatus for covering the open top of the shielding apparatus according
an exemplary embodiment; and

[0019]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shielding apparatus and lid
shown in FIG. 6 with the lid attached to the shielding apparatus and
covering the open top of the shielding apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020]The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not
intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should
be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference
numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0021]According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of
shielding apparatus (e.g., frames, etc.) suitable for use in providing
electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for one or more electrical
components on a substrate (e.g., printed circuit board, etc.). In one
exemplary embodiment, a shielding apparatus generally includes a first
wall (e.g., outer wall, sidewall, etc.) and a second wall (e.g., internal
wall, interior partition wall, etc.). The first wall has laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions (e.g., dimples, half-dimples, catches,
lugs, ribs, projections, protrusions, ridges, bumps, detents,
protrusions, etc.). The second wall has an edge portion (e.g., side edge,
etc.) disposed relative to (e.g., abutting, flush against, immediately
adjacent, etc.) the first wall (e.g., an inner side of the first wall,
etc.) such that an interface, juncture, or seam between the second wall's
edge portion and first wall is substantially sealed or closed off such
that the ingress and/or egress of electromagnetic interference through
the interface is inhibited (e.g., prevented, reduced, etc.). In addition,
the second walls' edge portion is engaged generally between and laterally
confined by the laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions of the first
wall. This engagement/lateral confinement by laterally spaced-apart
detent protrusions help inhibit movement of the second wall relative to
the first wall, thereby helping retain the substantially sealed
interface, juncture, or seam between the second wall's edge portion and
the first wall.

[0022]In various embodiments, a shielding apparatus includes sidewalls
with dimples configured to allow an edge portion of an internal formed
wall to rest in a saddle defined by the dimples, to close off or
substantially seal (e.g., inhibit ingress and/or egress of EMI, etc.) EMI
gaps along the interface, seam, or juncture between the internal wall and
the sidewall. With the edge portion of the internal wall laterally
confined by the dimples, movement of the internal wall relative to the
sidewall is inhibited. In some embodiments, this may also or
alternatively help the internal wall remain substantially vertical
relative to the substrate (e.g., printed circuit board, etc.) to which
the shield is attached, thus helping close off or substantially seal EMI
gaps along the interface, seam, juncture between the bottom edge of the
internal wall and

[0023]In some embodiments, the dimples are monolithically, or integrally,
formed in one or more sidewalls such that the closing off or sealing of
EMI gaps may be accomplished without requiring or needing the addition of
any additional pieces and/or processes, such as spot welding individual
parts. In other embodiments, however, one or more dimples or other
protrusions may be discrete components attached to a sidewall. In
embodiments in which the dimples (or other suitable protrusions) are
monolithically or integrally formed in a sidewall, such embodiments may
allow for reduced part counts and less welding than would have been
otherwise required to assemble the various parts. Various embodiments
disclosed herein may allow a frame or other EMI shielding component
shield to be manufactured using an automated process, such as progressive
die, etc.

[0024]Some embodiments include a board level shield (BLS) (e.g., frame,
etc.) having internal walls and outer sidewalls that cooperatively define
a plurality of individual EMI shielding compartments. When the BLS frame
is installed (soldered, etc.) to a substrate (e.g., printed circuit
board, etc.) having electronic components on the substrate, the
electronic components are positioned in different compartments such that
the components are provided with EMI shielding by virtue of the EMI
shielding compartments inhibiting the ingress and/or egress of EMI into
and/or out of each EMI shielding compartment. In such embodiments, the
engagement or nesting of the internal walls with lateral detent
protrusions (e.g., dimples, etc.) laterally confine the internal walls
within the laterally spaced distance or saddle defined generally between
the lateral detent protrusions. The nesting or engagement of the internal
walls (e.g., integrally formed bent down walls, etc.) within the saddle
defined by the lateral detent protrusions helps close off or seal any EMI
gap that might otherwise exist between the side edges of the internal
walls and the outer sidewalls, without adding additional pieces and
processes such as welding.

[0025]Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate an
exemplary embodiment of a shielding apparatus 100 embodying one or more
aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the shielding
apparatus 100 generally includes outer walls or sidewalls 108, cross
bracing 112, and internal, or interior, partition/divider walls 116
disposed within a perimeter defined by the outer walls 108 of the
apparatus 100.

[0026]The outer walls 108 of the illustrated shielding apparatus 100
generally include laterally spaced-apart detent protrusions, which in the
illustrated embodiment includes first and second pairs of upper and lower
inwardly protruding and vertically-aligned dimples (each dimple being
indicated at 120). The internal walls 116 may also include laterally
spaced-apart detent protrusions even though the following description
describes the protrusions only with regard to the outer walls 108. In the
illustrated embodiment, the dimples 120 are integrally (or
monolithically) formed with the outer walls 108. And one pair of dimples
120 may be disposed higher than a corresponding second pair of dimples
120. The first and second pairs of dimples 120 generally define saddles,
or spaces, therebetween that engagingly receive edge portions 128 of the
internal walls 116 (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5, etc.). The engagement, or
nesting, of the internal walls 116 with the lateral detent protrusions
(e.g., between dimples 120 of the first and second pairs of dimples 120,
etc.) can laterally confine the internal walls 116 within the laterally
spaced distance, or saddle, defined generally between the lateral detent
protrusions. In the illustrated embodiment, the nesting or engagement of
the edge portions 128 of the internal walls 116 within the saddles
laterally confines the internal walls 116 via the dimples 120 (e.g.,
between the laterally spaced dimples 120, etc.). For example, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, the dimples 120 may help keep the internal walls 116
substantially flush against or in substantial abutment with the outer
walls 108 such that a substantially closed seam, or interface, is defined
therebetween. This, in turn, helps close off and/or seal EMI gaps (and
keep the EMI gaps closed and/or sealed, for example, against the ingress
and/or egress of EMI through an interface between the walls 108, 116)
that might otherwise exist between the edge portions 128 of the internal
walls 116 and the outer sidewalls 108. Alternative embodiments may
include other means for laterally confining the internal walls relative
to the outer walls, such as dimples in a different configuration (e.g.,
shape, size, number of, location, etc.), half-dimples, catches, lugs,
ribs, projections, protrusions, ridges, bumps, detents, protrusions,
other locking features, etc.

[0027]As shown in FIG. 2, the shielding apparatus 100 may be installed
(e.g., surface mounted, soldered, mechanically fastened, secured, etc.)
to a printed circuit board 103 and is suitable for use in providing
electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to one or more electrical
components 105 mounted on the PCB 103. In other embodiments, a shielding
apparatus may be installed to other substrates besides printed circuit
boards, as a printed circuit board is but one example type of substrate
to which the shielding apparatus disclosed herein may be installed.

[0028]To facilitate alignment of the shielding apparatus 100 with the PCB
103 during installation, the shielding apparatus 100 may include one or
more legs, projections, or members 104 configured to be received in
corresponding openings 107 of the PCB 103. With the shielding apparatus
100 positioned on the PCB 103 with legs 104 within the openings 103,
soldering may then be used to secure the shielding apparatus 100 to the
PCB 103. Alternatively, other suitable methods and means may be used for
installing the shielding apparatus 100 to the PCB 103, such as mechanical
fasteners, etc. In addition, other embodiments of the shielding apparatus
may not include any such legs 104. Additional embodiments may include a
shielding apparatus that is used with a differently configured PCB than
what is shown in FIG. 2, such as a PCB without any openings 107 and/or a
PCB with differently configured electronic components 105 (e.g., more or
less components, differently arranged components, etc.). Accordingly, a
shielding apparatus disclosed herein should not be limited in use with
only the particular PCB configuration and/or electronic component layout
shown in FIG. 2.

[0029]The outer walls 108 and internal walls 116 are configured to
generally surround certain electrical components 105 on the PCB 103 when
the shielding apparatus 100 is installed to the PCB 103. In the
illustrated shielding apparatus 100, the outer walls 108 and internal
walls 116 define openings 132 along an upper portion of the shielding
apparatus 100 that may be used, for example, to access the certain
electrical components 105 on the PCB 103 contained within the shielding
apparatus 100 after the shielding apparatus 100 is installed to the PCB
103. Thus, the illustrated shielding apparatus 100 may be viewed as an
open-top EMI shielding can or frame. In other exemplary embodiments,
shielding apparatus may include walls defining more or less openings than
disclosed herein.

[0030]As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the illustrated shielding apparatus
100 is generally rectangular in shape and generally includes four
sidewalls 108, eight internal walls 116, and cross bracing 112 extending
generally between the walls 108, 116. The outer walls 108 and internal
walls 116 are substantially planar in shape. Adjacent outer walls 108 are
oriented generally at right angles to each other, and opposing outer
walls 108 are generally parallel, thereby producing the generally
rectangular shape of the shielding apparatus 100. The walls 108 and 116
together generally define rectangular compartments for surrounding and/or
shielding the electrical components 105 on the PCB 103. The cross bracing
112 extends generally between two opposing, longitudinally extending
outer walls 108 as well as between an end outer wall 108 and a generally
parallel extending internal wall 116 to help rigidify the assembly 100.
The cross bracing 112 may be configured differently within the scope of
the present disclosure. With additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the
internal walls 116 are also oriented at generally right angles to the
corresponding outer wall 108 they engage, such that the shielding
apparatus 100 defines the generally rectangular EMI shielding
compartments defined therein. In other exemplary embodiments, shielding
apparatus may include more than or fewer than four outer walls, and/or
more than or fewer than eight internal walls, and/or outer walls and/or
internal walls in a configuration different from that disclosed herein.
For example, the outer walls may have square configurations, triangular
configurations, hexagonal configurations, other polygonal-shaped
configurations, circular configurations, non-rectangular configurations,
etc. In still other exemplary embodiments, shielding apparatus may
include non-rectangular EMI shielding compartments.

[0031]The illustrated shielding apparatus 100 also has an integral (or
monolithic) construction (e.g., from a single blank of material, etc.).
Upper portions of the internal walls 116 integrally define at least some
of the cross bracing 112. And the outer walls 108, the internal walls
116, and the cross bracing 112 are generally formed as one piece of
material. Accordingly, at some locations the internal walls 116 depend
downwardly (e.g., bent, folded, drawn, etc.) from the cross bracing 112
to generally position between dimples 120 of first and second pairs of
dimples 120. Alternative exemplary embodiments may include one or more
components of a shielding apparatus being formed as a discrete component
that is attached to the shielding apparatus. And further exemplary
embodiments may not include cross bracing. In still other exemplary
embodiments, a shielding apparatus may have a non-rectangular shape, may
include more or less outer walls, more or less interior, or internal,
partition/divider walls more or less interior EMI shielding compartments,
and/or EMI shielding compartments shaped differently than disclosed
herein. For example, a shielding apparatus may be free of interior
partition/divider walls such that the shielding apparatus generally
defines a single interior space (or compartment) for shielding one or
more electrical components on a PCB.

[0032]The shielding apparatus 100 may be advantageously formed generally
by drawing at least part of the shielding apparatus 100, for example,
over a die, to produce the final desired shape, for example, of a frame
(as shown in FIG. 1), etc. And as previously stated, the shielding
apparatus 100 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to be installed
(e.g., surface mounted, secured, etc.) to the PCB 103 by any acceptable
means such as soldering, mechanical fastening, etc.

[0033]The shielding apparatus 100 may be formed from a single piece of
electrically-conductive material so that the outer walls 108, cross
bracing 112, internal walls 116, and dimples 120 have an integral,
monolithic construction. A wide range of electrically-conductive
materials may be used to form the shielding apparatus 100. By way of
example, the shielding apparatus 100 may be formed from cold rolled
steel, nickel-silver alloys, copper-nickel alloys, stainless steel,
tin-plated cold rolled steel, tin-plated copper alloys, carbon steel,
brass, copper, aluminum, copper-beryllium alloys, phosphor bronze, steel,
alloys thereof, or any other suitable electrically-conductive and/or
magnetic materials. In addition, the shielding apparatus 100 may be
formed from a plastic material coated with electrically-conductive
material. In one exemplary embodiment, a shielding apparatus includes a
frame formed from a sheet of cold rolled steel having a thickness of
about 0.20 millimeters. As another example, a shielding apparatus may
include a frame configured from a suitable material having a thickness in
the range of about 0.10 millimeters and about 0.30 millimeters. The
materials and dimensions provided herein are for purposes of illustration
only, as a frame may be configured from different materials and/or with
different dimensions depending, for example, on the particular
application, such as the electrical components to be shielded, space
considerations within the overall electronic device, EMI shielding and
heat dissipation needs, and other factors.

[0034]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a shielding
apparatus 200 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As
shown in FIG. 6, a lid or cover 250 is attachable to the shielding
apparatus 200 of this embodiment for substantially covering openings 232
defined along the upper portion of the shielding apparatus 200 by outer
walls 208 and internal walls 216. The lid 250 includes a generally
rectangular shape corresponding to the generally rectangular shape of the
shielding apparatus 200 as defined by the outer walls 208. The lid 250 is
configured to fit generally over the shielding apparatus 200 (FIG. 7) for
covering the openings 232 defined by the walls 208, 216. At which point,
the shielding apparatus 200 and lid 250 may provide shielding to the one
or more electrical components on a PCB (e.g., components 105 on PCB 103
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, etc.) disposed within the area cooperatively
defined by the shielding apparatus 200, the lid 250, and the PCB.

[0035]In this particular embodiment, the lid 250 is removably attachable
to the shielding apparatus 200 by engaging dimples 254 of the lid 250
within openings 258 of the shielding apparatus 200. The lid 250 may be
formed at least partly by bending, stamping, folding, etc. the lid 250 to
produce the final desired shape. The lid 250 is configured to be
releasably attached to the shielding apparatus 200 so that, together, the
shielding apparatus 200 and the lid 250 may enclose the desired
electrical components and provide EMI shielding thereto.

[0036]With the lid 250 attached to the shielding apparatus 200 (FIG. 7),
the lid 250 and shielding apparatus 200 cooperatively define EMI
shielding compartments within perimeters defined by the walls 208, 216 of
the shielding apparatus 200. The outer walls 208 and internal walls 216
of the shielding apparatus 200 and the lid's planar top surface 262
cooperate to define the EMI shielding compartments. Plus, engagement of
the internal walls 216 with dimples 220 of the outer walls 208 helps
retain the relative position of the internal walls 216 to the walls 208,
thus helping seal and/or reduce the size of EMI gaps therebetween. This,
in turn, helps inhibit the ingress and/or egress and/or leakage of EMI
through any junctures between the internal walls 216 and walls 208. Thus,
EMI is preferably contained within each EMI shielding compartment and not
allowed to escape therefrom.

[0037]The lid 250 may be formed from a wide range of materials, which are
preferably electrically-conductive materials. For example, the lid 250
may be formed from cold rolled steel, nickel-silver alloys, copper-nickel
alloys, stainless steel, tin-plated cold rolled steel, tin-plated copper
alloys, carbon steel, brass, copper, aluminum, copper-beryllium alloys,
phosphor bronze, steel, alloys thereof, or any other suitable
electrically-conductive and/or magnetic materials. The lid 250 may also
be formed from a plastic material coated with electrically-conductive
material. In one exemplary embodiment, the lid is formed from a sheet of
cold rolled steel having a thickness of about 0.15 millimeters. As
another example, a lid may be configured from a suitable material having
a thickness in the range of about 0.05 millimeters and about 0.30
millimeters. The materials and dimensions provided herein are for
purposes of illustration only, as a cover may be configured from
different materials and/or with different dimensions depending, for
example, on the particular application, such as the electrical components
to be shielded, space considerations within the overall electronic
device, EMI shielding and heat dissipation needs, and other factors.

[0038]Attachment of the lid 250 to the shielding apparatus 200 will now be
described. The shielding apparatus 200 may initially be installed to the
PCB. The lid 250 may then be positioned over the shielding apparatus 200
and moved downward onto the shielding apparatus 200 to facilitate
attachment of the lid 250 thereto. With this downward movement, the
dimples 254 of the lid 250 engage the openings 258 of the shielding
apparatus 200 and help secure the lid 250 to the shielding apparatus 200.

[0039]When or if the lid 250 is to be detached from the shielding
apparatus 200, the lid 250 may be removed vertically from the shielding
apparatus 200. For example, a shim (or other suitable tool) may be
manually used to disengage the dimples 254 from the holes 258.

[0040]In some exemplary embodiments, the upper surface 262 of the lid 250
may include a plurality of apertures or holes, which may facilitate
solder reflow heating interiorly of the lid 250, which may enable cooling
of the electrical components beneath the lid 250, and/or which may permit
visual inspection of members of the electrical components beneath the lid
250. In some of these exemplary embodiments, the lid 250 may include
holes that are sufficiently small to inhibit passage of interfering EMI.
The particular number, size, shape, orientation, etc. of the holes may
vary depending, for example, on the particular application (e.g.,
sensitivity of the electronics where more sensitive circuitry may
necessitate the use of smaller diameter holes, etc.). In still other
exemplary embodiments, shielding apparatus may include covers without any
such holes.

[0041]In some other exemplary embodiments, the upper surface 262 of the
lid 250 may include a generally central pick-up surface configured for
use in handling the lid 250 with pick-and-place equipment (e.g., vacuum
pick-and-place equipment, etc.). The pick-up surface may be configured
for use as a pick-up area that may be gripped or to which suction may be
applied by the pick-and-place equipment for handling during, for example,
fabrication of the lid 250 and/or installation of the lid 250 to a PCB.
The central location of the pick-up surface may allow for balanced
manipulation of the lid 250 during handling of the cover. In other
exemplary embodiments, a lid may include covers with, for example, tabs
at corners and/or along side edges for use as pick-up surfaces in
addition to or in place of centrally located pick-up surfaces.

[0042]Alternative exemplary embodiments of shielding apparatus may include
a differently configured lid with a different shape (e.g.,
non-rectangular, etc.), a different attachment method (e.g., welding,
fixed attachment method, etc.), a different size (e.g., sized to cover
less than all of the openings of the shielding apparatus, etc.), etc.
depending, for example, on the particular application. Still other
embodiments of shielding apparatus may not include any lid, such as
embodiments in which a portion of a housing of an electrical device is
used for covering openings defined along an upper portion of the
shielding apparatus. Still further embodiments may include a lid that is
an integral part of the shielding apparatus such that it would not be
necessary to separately produce and attach a lid to the shielding
apparatus.

[0043]Numerical dimensions and values are provided herein for illustrative
purposes only. The particular dimensions and values provided are not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044]Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only,
and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as
"upper," "lower," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," "upward,"
"downward," "upwardly," and "downwardly" refer to directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front," "back,"
"rear," "bottom," and "side," describe the orientation of portions of the
component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is
made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings
describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include
the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of
similar import. Similarly, the terms "first," "second," and other such
numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order
unless clearly indicated by the context.

[0045]When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments,
the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there
are one or more of such elements or features. The terms "comprising,"
"including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there
may be additional elements or features other than those specifically
noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes,
and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily
requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or
illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance.
It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be
employed.

[0046]The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and,
thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are
intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are
not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure.